Seventy-eight years ago today, on August 31, 1947 (July 16, 1947 in the lunar calendar), the United Nations recommended that Palestine be divided into two. On August 31, 1947, most people in the United Nations special committee on the question of Palestine recommended ending British rule and dividing Palestine into two countries, one for Arabs and the other for Jews. Jerusalem and some nearby towns, including Bethlehem, will be administered solely by the United Nations. Arabs were very disappointed and dissatisfied when they heard this news, while Jews were pleasantly surprised. This is the first time that an international organization has proposed the establishment of a Jewish state, which is the ultimate goal of Zionism. The report also recommends that more Jews be moved into Palestine.